Hi Benjolin users!
We know the Benjolin is pretty much a instrument by itself, very capable of generating streams of amazing events with little tweaking effort. Lately though I have been experimenting with combining the Benjolin with other modules, with Benjolin as the center of generative patches.
How do you use the Benjolin? Which other modules do you surround it with?
Please discuss!
I'm not for it, but I'm now used to it when I'm looking for something that I know should be there. But then again, I know how to do a proper search. I haven't seen a huge increase in the number of duplicates - so unless something happens let's keep it at that.
Thanks for that round-up, some exciting stuff there that would have passed me by.
-- Dom78
Likewise :-)
Careful with your module depths, tho...the 4ms pods max out at 34mm, which significantly limits your possible modules. For example, a good Maths substitute in 4hp less space would be a pair of Doepfer A-171-2s, but at 60mm depth there's no way they'd fit. The Maths, at 24mm, may in fact be the right way to go here. Let's see...(pause)...OK, this:
60 hp 4ms Pod: Konstant Labs power checker, then a Bastl Hendrickson for an input, which allows you to crossfade with the output on the module. This means that you can use the Hendrickson's 1/4" output as a "clean" channel to your amp and crossfading allows you to control your wet/dry levels, either manually or via CV. An Erica PICO RND gives you a sine/pulse LFO, clock (plus clock in from an external sync), noise and random signals and one of two sample and holds, and next to that a Doepfer A-184-1 contains the other S&H, plus a ring mod and a slew limiter to 'smooth' your S&H shifts. Maths next, then I opted for an Eventide Euro DDL for massive delay flexibility, including looping, reverse delays, tap tempo (and the Euro DDL can also serve as your master clock, clocking the PICO RND) and CV over time, feedback, delay mix and an internal LPF. Following that is something very guitar-nifty, and that's a 3-band EQ with CV over frequency on each band. Coupled with the Maths, this will allow loads of timbral shifty weirdness. The CIAO! output allows you to run the EQ in either series or parallel, since it has dual stereo ins. Oh, and a headphone amp, too. Now, this doesn't exactly address things like reverb, etc for stereo operation, nor does this deal with the depth issue I mentioned...but I really intended this more as an example of what's possible in that tight a cab which you can work off of as a basis for ideas.
G-Storm's replications are top-notch, IMHO. I'm quite familiar with the sound of both the Jupiter-6 VCF (mine is sitting about 5 feet to my left) and the ARP 4012 VCF from the original ARP 2600 versions (loads of experience with those), and they pretty much nail the sound of the originals while adding a few extra bonuses such as dual inputs and much smaller sizes than quite a few of the other replications. Noting that you had the Jove in there was a big key in opting for that change, freeing up that extra chunk of space.
Thanks, best is probably to just start with anything and go from there.
@Lugia I love that G-Storm Jupiter-6 filter, sounds amazing from the demos. And that Happy Nerding 3x VCA looks awesome... Never knew that was even a thing!
So here's what I'm tentatively settling on at the moment:
The only things I'm tossing around are perhaps replacing one of the two DigiVerb 1U's with a second Pedal I/O, or perhaps replacing the uRings 8HP with some other tasty thing, maybe utility, another filter, or even more VCAs. Not sure if that additional voice is more important over other capabilities...
Thanks again for your depth of insight!!! Much appreciated...
I finally found an Intellijel 104HP in stock and ordered... Most are sold out here in the US... I'll be building it out over the coming months... I may not have a wife by the end of this journey... LOL...
D
2hp EG times two comes to mind. Add to that LFO, Mix, VCA as needed. All of that in half the rack space of a single Maths.
Thanks for that round-up, some exciting stuff there that would have passed me by.
The Harmonaigh gives the intervals from one source but gives a 1v/Oct signal for each so you need four good stable oscillators to get the most from it, you’ll probably find you use the Distings for reverb/delay/mod and controlling mod and you’ll probably want Plonk on percussive more than harmonic duties.Qu-bit’s chord generates it’s own sound for each and with V2 coming out soon the original unit might be pretty affordable(seen a couple on eBay already since NAMM) Quadnic’s got a polyphonic mode too and the wave sequencing mode with this is fantastic but no decent demos really, I’ve got both and if I’d picked up the Quadnic first I probably wouldn’t of bought Chord but I’m glad I’ve got it and doubt I’ll part with it anytime soon if that makes sense. I’ve not tried Marbles so can’t really comment on whether it would stand up to the task of sequencing everything but whilst it’s capabilities are quite exciting I wouldn’t personally want to be without a more traditional sequencer as well.
Hey guys,
I‘m thinking about replacing my Memory Man delay pedal (used for the Se-02 / 0-coast / digitakt) with something that allows deeper delay/reverb/sound transformations:
Modulation source:
Maths is overkill for this setup I think (is it?), but what alternative(s) come(s) closest in terms of depth of possibilities and is small enough to fit in a 4ms pod?
Thanks a lot!
Frank
Thanks for the answer,
I think the Harmonàig takes cv and spits a 3rd 5th and 7th out isnt? I was thinking to take for example x1 of marbles to the cv in of harmonaig and take the cv outs to other OSCs like osc 1 and 2 of neutron, plonk or other osc from disting mk4. Would that work?
For sequencing, I am relying mainly on Marbles, as I am planning this eurorack as an ambient machine, mainly with the use of controlled randomization, and chance
And the neutron there is mainly as I have it, and to keep things under 2k as a starting point :).
Would that work?
prem
You’re not going to do much with the Harmonaigh with that setup and I’d definitely keep the Neutron standalone, are you sequencing from external sources?
Hi there!
I'm about to pull the trigger and get my first 6U. I have the Neutron so that is my starting point. I have been exploring for something like a year since I met modular last year. I wanted some recommendations on my sketch and I have not been able to get some on other groups. Here is my sketch:
My main interest in modular is tamed randomization, quantized polyrhythmic, or not synced sequences, mixed sound sources like analog VCO's with physical modeling, etc. I chose an insert fx module since I have pedals I like to use with synth.
Drums are not in my needs since I prefer boxes for that.
Thanks in advance
prem
Overview
Octavian
Actually, this has more problems than just not enough VCAs. For instance, why have two dual ring modulators when you only have two sound sources (Mangrove and W)? That's basically three ring modulators too many. The excess of those huge Just Friends modulation sources are a problem as well. And while the Meng Qi output stage isn't a bad idea per se, it also doesn't leave you any way to control your output levels.
As for EGs, you actually have those with the Maths, albeit only rise/fall-type envelopes with a little extra trickery. The Just Friends works as these as well, but I've always viewed those as more LFO-ish. Anyway, the problem with the Maths is size; at 20 hp in this small a build, it hogs a lot of hp, then add to that the size of the Just Friends modules, and you've got more space being used for modulation than anything else. There seems to be an overall theme here; it seems as if much of this was done based on the "Top Modules" list instead of engineering the skiff build for maximum functionality, and while those are definitely good picks, they're good picks for a larger system. For a single row of 104 hp, you need to tackle the space problem as a primary issue.
Lastly, the Monome noise issue. I'm going to venture a guess that the noise in question is hum, and that when you switch in the Meng Qi's ground lift, it goes away. If that's the case, you have a ground loop, and the fault isn't any of the equipment per se, but an issue with your synth and your mixer/DAW input/etc being on different grounds and they're trying to establish a ground path through your audio line. But if the noise issue is hiss/frizz/digital hash sounds, then the problem is actually in your connecting cable, and you need a USB cable that has a ferrite isolator on it. But my guess leans very much toward the hum, as it's a lot more typical and the Monome Grid should be USB powered from the Ansible, if I remember right.
Gonna mess with this a bit...brb...
Now this accomplishes the same general ends as your build, plus adds some extra functions that you just didn't have room for. In the same 104 hp, and no deeper than 45 mm, we have...
A Konstant Labs power checker, for starters. There's an extra 1 hp left over, plus you seem to have some odd power issues, so this was a no-brainer. Then the Ansible. Next comes your Mangrove, W, and a 2 hp Sine which is a wavefolding sine VCO, added as a carrier for the ring modulator, which is in the next module along with a sample and hold, plus a slew gen. Last thing in this section is a 4 -> 1 2hp mixer.
Modulation section got majorly revamped. I went with Codex's 8 hp version of Mutable's Tides as a main LFO, then there's two PipSlopes, which are CVable AD generators with looping capability. Those do much of the same work as the VCS cores in the Maths. Four ADSRs under one panel are next with the Doepfer A-141-4, which allows you to change envelope values in a ganged fashion via CV. Taken altogether, that's actually a bit more going on than you'd find with a Maths. Then the Cold Mac goes next to these to allow complex interactions between modulation sources.
Next are a pair of Tiptop's Steiner Synthacon VCFs. An incredible multimode with loads of character, having two allows you to split your audio and impose two different filter profiles onto that. Then a Dual VCA sums these down via its two-channel mixbus and sends this on to the Sisters for final formant filter manipulation. Then, a copy of the classic Moog CP3 mixer allows you to mix (with a touch of euphonic distortion, pretty much like the Minimoog's VCO mixer, based on the CP3) the Sisters with the Tiptop duo or your Meng Qi passive LPGs, if that's desired, and it goes on to the Erica DSP for effects and stereoization. Last, we have a Happy Nerding Isolator, which gives you a stereo pair of transformer-isolated 1/4" outs with a ganged stereo level control.
This, to me, makes more sense. This not only accomplishes the same sort of functionality as your build, but adds a lot more functions and also, a lot more in the way of possible routings in both audio and modulation paths. And with the Monome gear, you now have plenty of things with which it can interact, making for a more elaborate instrument in terms of sonic potential. I'm assuming, also, that for mults you'll be using inline mult widgets of some sort, which is the best option in a space-limited build such as this.
Hey liquid thanks for the reply I’d use the 1 of the just friends as the env gen. I should of mentioned sorry I have a make noise powered skiff. The I/O I have really helps cut the noise issue out when my grid is plugged into ansible. Thanks for the link I will check out those options
Yeah, also getting all these sound sources out could be iffy, as I think you only have the ModDemix as a mixer.
In a system this size, I'm wondering whether Maths is the best use of HP real estate, as you could for almost the same HP get an Envelope generator (you do want one of those) and a micro quad VCA.
You also are going to need to power your rack, unless you have a built in power supply using no HP. Not sure why you would use a passive I/O module, but there are nice powered alternatives from Happy Nerding or 4ms.
See how this here resonates with you:
https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_841372.jpg
If you don't need the 4HP power, you could always throw a Disting MK4 in there.
https://cdn.modulargrid.net/img/racks/modulargrid_693456.jpg
I have a monome grid and my thoughts were top line sounds from the mangrove and makenoise gear and just friends modulated by just friends but afraid their is not enough VCA
Instead of drawing it (didn’t really work on my iPad) here is a video.
The patch is described in more detail in the YT video.
So, to those more experienced, do you think this is overly complicated or sort of on point? To me it sounds really nice, so I’d say it’s just right. But, alas, you guys may have some nice ideas.
Btw. pending additions to the rig you see are: 4ms VCAMatrix, Malekko Quad Envelope, Mutant Brain, Manis Iteritas, QPAS (all ordered, so that’s a commitment).
KICK ASS!!! for January 2019
What the hell?...you'd think some sort of huge synth trade show had been going on. Oh...wait, it WAS!
As promised, NAMM month brought a bumper crop of Eurorack tastiness. Winter NAMM is the largest music retailer trade show in N. America, and as Eurorack moves on further into the mainstream consciousness of synthesists, it was bound to happen that this was going to be pretty brain-exploding!So, here's an ultra-long rundown of the best MG Eurorack picks for just the past month of listings here on everyone's fave synth reference.
Nonlinearcircuits Signum Hyperchaos, Spasm, Digital Filter Simulator, GENiE: Not just one new chaotic toy, but four from Nonlinearcircuits. The Signum Hyperchaos is an expansion of their previous Hyperchaos line, adding CV-controlled switching and further bits of randomness arcana. Spasm is a new take on jerk-type chaotic circuitry, using vactrols as control elements. Want chaos? It's got plenty of that! Then there's the Digital Filter Simulator...which is and isn't a filter as we're used to it. In this case, it's more of a complex bit-crushing chopping-type sample-and-hold, with other extremely wrong ideas, and capable of being used on either audio or CV! And the GENiE is a three-neuron logic (or, in this case, more like ILlogic) -based signal processing mayhem for CVs, although you could also use it with audio for interestingly problematic results. There's a lot here for a lot of different schools of synthesis...generative types will likely go bonkers on these, plus there's possibilities for the industrial/noise crowd, possibilities for intricate alteration of sequencing/clocking behavior, and on and on! Check the listings for each for hp and $$$, as well as more detailed descriptions of each plus video of these modules causing all sorts of trouble.
ADDAC System ADDAC306: Have you ever found yourself wishing you had five hands to make CV and/or modulation changes? ADDAC has your fix, without the painful and messy surgery: their VC Transitions module. This little wonder puts five different CV signals under the control of a single crossfader-type slider, allowing you to set up big global shifts under a single gesture. Not only that, but you have total control over the degree of change as well as direction, plus this can be expanded to four more channels of control with a second ADDAC306. And as if that wasn't enough, this thing also can function as something of an “envelope relay”...patch an ADSR to the CV IN, and then define five totally different voltage contours that follow your original envelope. Definitely one of the smartest controllers I've seen in a hot minute. 8 hp, approx $135.
Takaab SMIX: Too simple, you say? Nothing's too simple. Take this 2 hp widget from Siam Modular, for instance. Basically, it's a passive mixer; you get either two 3->1 circuits or one big 6->1 one. No current draw, stoopid-tiny (14mm) depth, $20. Why concentrate on something this simple? Well, I think loads of us have found ourselves in a situation where we just need to merge some modulation signals, but we didn't have a mixer with knobs handy, or maybe even space for another one of those, or just couldn't justify adding that cost-wise. If you've found yourself in that quandry, this is your fix. Granted, with it being a passive device there's a bit of signal loss, but if you're dealing with modulation signals that's not going to be majorly consequential.
And now, two different takes on stompbox integration altogether...
AI Synthesis AI006 Stomp Box Adapter: This is the simple approach. Send and return level adjustments to set your gain structure properly, and that's it. Oh...that's not it, though, because this useful little thing fits in 2 hp, making it the smallest stompbox I/O to date! For those wishing you could find a way to cram in a send/return module for an external FX chain, well, here's an easier way. $70.
Adventure Audio Merge: And now, the utterly bonkers approach! This is FX send/return taken to the point of utter madness...incorporating an envelope follower, logic aspects, a level comparator, rectification for additional distortion, all sorts of internal routing voodoo, in addition to the usual gain-staging controls and I/O connections. Amazingly, this is so complex that you really need a look at its listing for yourself, something I find pretty astonishing for a send/return. And you don't just have to use it for that, as it also makes for a useful line-level input module with a lot of bells and whistles. 16 hp, $249.
Erica Synths Plasma Drive: Gamechanger Audio came out with this pedal last year, a somewhat-frightening device with a little tube of actual lightning zapping around inside a plasma tube, which allowed for lots of distortion and waveshaping tricks of a unique nature, given that the main element functions as a tube rectifier. Erica's working with these maniacs, apparently...because here's that same thing as a Eurorack module with the addition of CV over the distortion level and mix, plus trigger-switchable octave-up and down tracking oscillators for more harmonic craziness. And the real shocking part (ahahaha!!! shocking! get it? uh...anyway...) is that even with the plasma discharge thingy, this only draws 150 mA, so not only can you use your regular old Eurorack supply, the draw isn't too hideous for a no-foolin' tube device. This drops later this month so no pricing for this 16 hp Frankenstein module yet, but given that the original stompbox retails for $299, expectations seem to call for a price somewhere not too far above that.
Ladik M-053: Ahhh, Ladik...purveyors of useful small objects for not a helluva lot of money! In this case, they've come up with an AUX mixer. Three thru-busses get tapped twice, then sent to two three-channel mixers. The idea, of course, it that you'd insert this into a signal path and use them as FX sends where needed, but I see these as having more possibilities than that. You could create different mixes of three VCOs, for example, and send those to separate VCFs. Or you can use use this to split signal chains up from any sources and apply different processing, envelopes, etc, making it a boon for transitions in longer pieces or live performance. Nicely done! 8 hp, approx $62.
Tesseract Modular TEX MIX System: Speaking of mixers, there's this. Or rather, these. The TEX MIX system consists of three different modules, which can be combined as you like. The main module, the Master Section, is where the power connection to your bus board takes place and is essential. It has two stereo AUX returns, two mono AUX sends, stereo master and cue outputs, and a headphone amp. From this, you can mix and match as you like with the 4 Mono Channels or 4 Stereo Channels modules. The former has vactrol VCAs, AUX 1 and 2 send controls (including a pre/post-fader switch for AUX 1), panning per channel, level, and a switch to either mute or send a channel to the cue bus. Similarly, the 4 Stereo Channels has controls as above, but no VCAs. So, between these three modules, you can cobble together a bespoke performance mixer that fits your specific needs. And not for a load of cash, either; the Master is $67, 8 hp, and the Channels are 12 hp modules for $78.
Happy Nerding 4xMUTE: ...and if you want true mutes, why not toss a few of these in? 4 channels of electronically-switched clickless muting in a measly 4 hp. Each channel has a status LED in its control button, and comes in either silver or black panels. The 4xMUTE also works on CVs as well, so that makes it even more useful as a live performance controller for dropping in or taking out modulation signals, killing CV sends to switch VCOs to drones, and loads more. $100, 4 hp.
Tokyo Tape Music Center Sequential Voltage Source Model 123, Timing Pulse Generator Model 140, Bandpass Filter Model 194: As of NAMM, it appears that Buchla has taken back their Series 100 mantle, taking over production of Catalyst Audio's Series 100 reduxes as their “Red Panel” line. And add that fact to these fun toys from Tokyo, and we're getting damn close to having real Buchla 100 happiness again, but in Eurorack (although Buchla's also making the 100 modules they have in 4U as well)! Tokyo Tape Music Center's got their version of the Model 123 8x3 sequencer ready to go, along with the corresponding Model 140, basically the system's clock generator. Plus, they've also tossed out the first of the bandpass filters, offering four audio passbands from a single input, as the Model 194. This is pretty cool, as it means that much of the bread-n-butter of the Series 100 is now off-the-shelf available for Eurorack. The 140 and 194 are 14 hp, and $390 and $240 respectively, and the 123 comes in at a double-width of 28 hp for $590.
Rossum Electro-Music Trident: OK, we all know what a complex oscillator is (speaking of Buchla). Two oscillators played off of each other to create complex spectra, of course. But Dave Rossum could leave well enough alone, so this would be...an insanely-complex oscillator? Not two, but three VCOs are in this thing, with one acting as the 'carrier' and two more in various sorts of modulation guises. And they have Zing! What's Zing, you ask? Well, check the listing...because this one needs to be seen to be believed. Way too much complexity to explain here, plus so many uses I'd be going on for a whole page running them down! Could this be the ultimate West Coast VCO? It's possible... 30 hp, $599.
Make Noise QPAS: And yet more West Coast-tinged craziness! Tony Rolando's been popping up on YouTube and such with this module, a stereo state-variable multi-peak, brain-meltingly complex VCF. This is another one of those “I'm not explaining it here; go see it for yourself” ones, as the potential for use/abuse of this is off the charts. This is so versatile that if your small build has room for only one VCF, you must consider this one. All this craziness fits in 18 hp for $379.
Qu-Bit Electronix Prism, Bloom: ...and the hits just keep coming! Qu-bit dropped a pair of new toys. The Prism is described as a “multi-dimensional signal processor”, offering several useful manglers behind a 12 hp panel. It's got a state-variable VCF, bit-crusher, a “freeze” buffer and a comb filter-based reverb/resonator all in one for $249. But perhaps crazier still is the Bloom...a 32-step “fractal sequencer”that generates patterns based on fractal algorithms. Two channels, too, with 32 memories for sequences per channel, per step slewing and ratcheting and onboard clocking. This is definitely another “must-see” for the generative crowd, or anyone who wants to add some spice to their sequencing arsenal. 16 hp, $329.
2hp Grain, Bell: And don't leave the tiny module guys at 2hp out, no! They dropped a few new toys, but notable among them are an insanely-small granulator for a stoopid-cheap $149, and a physical modeler based on struck metallics for $149 as well. These go a bit beyond the 'space-filler' category many people put 2hp's modules in, being very simple and cost-effective devices with which to add some interesting and CVable digital textures.
Verbos Electronics Mini Horse, CV Processor: Mark Verbos has got a few new West Coasty toys for us. The first is a compact 12-plate touch controller, with individual and bussed outputs for gate, pressure, and position. This has a bit more going on than your typical keyboard, as pressure and plate-position are used here as extra modulation aspects, in addition to a fixed 0-10 V CV and a per-step variable CV on each plate. Also, the position outputs are latched, so not only could this be used as a pitch controller, but as a set of twelve touchplate faders for any sort of use. (42 hp, approx $675) Then there's the CV Processor...which combines Serge-like VCS fun up top with two lower CV processing sections not unlike the long-discontinued Buchla Model 257, offering loads of voltage math and mixing functionality. Plus, this has a very interesting “Bounce” circuit that adds the fun of “voltage overshoot”. More or less a Swiss Army Knife for CV manipulation that most anyone would find a use for. Pricey at approx $505, true, but for the Cadillac of CV alteration, I could see dropping that much, especially for that much function in 18 hp.
Plankton NUTONE: You know you want this. No pricing as of yet...but what we have here is a module that makes use of Korg's Nutube triode, a vacuum tube based on a fluorescent display, giving two VCAs with lots of overdrive potential for warm, fuzzy hollow-state distortion. Each channel also has a “feedback” control, which can increase gain to the point of internal feedback, allowing a lot of sonic mayhem. Plus, unlike normal tube circuits, this thing is very current friendly, drawing only 55 mA on the +12 and 17 mA on the -12 rails. Switchable between individual and parallel processing, making it very stereo-friendly. When we gonna know the price, Plankton!?
ph Multiple dual channel: Back to the simpler things. One of the annoying things about switched mults is that it can be difficult to see which way the switches are pointing. Enter ph's Multiple dual channel, a dual switched mult...with the added benefit of bicolor LEDs to show which channel is switched to the two mult busses. Smart! Plus, they give you a third middle position for 'off', so you can quickly drop something off a bus. There's three LED color combos available, but for the best contrast I'd recommend the BR (blue/red), as blue LEDs are glaringly (literally!) obvious, making for easy on-a-glance checks of the routings. A great live performance tool, to say the least! 6 hp, and dirt-cheap at $52!
Nozoid NOZORI: And now, we blow your mind. These two modules are based on an ARM Cortex M3. The 68 is dedicated to analog-style synth functions, while the 84 handles the digital-style ones. And each module has the ability to pose as 20 or so different virtual modules! With the addition of the 2 hp Expander, which has the behind-the-panel function jumpers of each Nozori brought out to a DIP switch pack, you can change the Nozori modules in your rig at will, potentially giving you a wholly-different modular in the process! Nozoid is working on additional module models, also. And these are quite skiff-friendly things, with 27 mm depths and only 150 mA draw on the +12V rail. Can't make up your mind about what you want in your skiff? Fine...use these, and you don't have to! Switch 'em, drop on a new function overlay, and you're golden! 12 hp, $280 each.
Konstant Lab FleXi: Blind panels are a pain. As your build progresses, you find yourself swapping and swapping them, filling the new gaps with combinations of these. There's got to be a better way! New, from K-Tel...uhm...Konstant Labs, the FleXi! These blind panels are actually sliding panels, allowing you to cover a variety of widths simply by unmounting the FleXi, adjusting the width, and remounting it. The S covers 6-12 hp, $13, the M deals with 12-24 hp widths for $17, and the L covers 24-48 for $20. Brilliant! How did you live without these!
Reverse Landfill Creep Cluster: Noise. Lots of it. Droning, hideous, jarring. Like that idea? You'll want this, then. The Creep Cluster contains two oscillators that pass through a switch that's also clocked at audio rates, fed into a filter...and the result is TROUBLE. Doubt me? Follow the link on the listing to Reverse Landfill's Etsy, and check the audio clips. It's sort of like a poor man's complex oscillator that woke up on the wrong side of the bed! One of the most noiserrific things I've seen since Schlappi's Interstellar Radio, the harsh noise crowd is going to go batshit crazy over 'em! 8 hp, $62-ish.
SSSR Labs Wobla: Another interesting controller, this...in two flavors (jack-up, jack-down), you get a CV offset source under the control of a single fader, with switchable behavior characteristics. At 3 hp, they take up very little space, making them idea for slapping together in a bundle of several to create remote fader controls for other synth functions elsewhere in your rig. Or you can connect 'em to multiple mixed VCAs to create a VCA mixer with fader controls. Or probably a lot of other stuff. $40...which is stoopid-cheap!
Paratek: Now, we all know that synthesizers contain only two essential parts: twistenknobs und blinkenlichts. Do YOU have a blinkenlicht deficiency? The Russians at Paratek have you covered! In under the wire on 31 January, they dropped eighteen new modules, all of which are useful in various indicator-type ways. LED bargraph meters, analog meters, “magic eye” tube meters, signal visualizers, and nixie-tube gate counters are all part of this line, which also provides passive mults in each module. So now, you have no excuse...make that modular BLINK!!!
And now, a little dive into the 1U zone...
Plum Audio 1u Tiles: This sort of blew my mind. Plum Audio, which also does normal 3U versions of some of the Mutable and other microprocessor designs, has four of these in 1U tiles as well! In 20 hp for $150, you can have the Apex (Peaks clone) or the Wavelet (Ripples clone). And in 30 hp for $300, you can get 1U tile versions of the super-useful Temps Utile or Ornament & Crimes! These are super-useful modules in their own right, but being able to mash them into this tiny form-factor is truly amazing, and for those using standard tiles, super-beneficial. 1U has been simmering for a while, and really started to open up with Intellijel's adoption of their take on the format. Now Plum Audio's got some high-end function for the rest of the 1U user base.
PulpLogic Selecter: And from one of the originators of the whole tile thing, here's a very nifty adder device: three inputs get added in different combinations with a five-position switch. Three positions add the A, B, or C with the addition of some internal +/1 1V offsets. And note...I said “add”, because this does some CV math, allowing you to also use this as an octave switch with no A or C inputs in addition to adding the sum of inputs A+B or B+C. A very smart device, with loads of possibilities for live performance or just all-around convenience.
And that...is...IT for January 2019. Took me an extra day to sort and collate all of this, but these are the sorts of inconveniences I like to run into, because it means that modular is alive, well, and thriving! Until next month...
On YouTube, DivKid shows how to use the Tiptop Audio Fold Processor on LFO CV to input 2 after sixteen minutes into the video. So yes, it can fold CV.
I like the Tiptop Audio Fold Processor eurorack module. I know it folds audio.
What about CV? When researching the different wave folders, I learned that some can, e.g., turn a slow triangle from and LFO into a complex CV waveshape. Now I can’t remember which can do that, and the manual for the Tiptop folder only talks about audio, I think.
Anyone know? Thanks.
Just one so I know it has something to do with the module not following well! On the site for the module it states,
"access to internal bus CV (via jumper, optional, please remove the bus jumper if this feature is not used to avoid unwanted frequency modulation as then the unused CV line of the bus works as a kind of antenna)
LF (manual linear frequency control: fully CW = standard setting for usual VCO applications, fully CCW: close to 0Hz frequency)
works also as a kind of range control for the exponential section but for standard VCO applications with 1V/octave control voltage the LF control should be fully CW"
So it seems there must be something I need to do, like remove the bus jumper, but I am not sure what that means or how to do it.
Better idea: lose the Shifty and the Jove VCF. Replace the Jove with G-Storm's 8 hp version of the Jupiter-6 filter (which I definitely endorse the use of, given that I've got an actual JP-6), then you'll have the 12 hp for the Quad VCA. But the thing that worries me, looking at the above, is that the build currently has NO VCAs...and that's just not going to work out nicely. So what I would suggest is to grab two different 6 hp VCAs: the Happy Nerding 3x VCA (linear - for CV/modulation work + mixing) and an Intellijel uVCA II (dual VCA, adjustable for either linear or exponential [audio] response, plus 2 channels of mixing). That gives you five VCAs and two mixers in one shot. Keep the 2hp modules...I think you're apt to find them rather useful.
@Lugia Sorry, that thumbnail up above is old... I'm not sure how to update it... If you click on it you can see the updated rack... I've eliminated RCD and some of the others...
D
Here's the new:
How many VCOs are you trying to drive with the same CV? If it's more than three, you might want to look into a buffered mult (if you don't have one). This sounds a bit like a voltage sag issue, and the buffering circuit should clear that up.
Actually, I think you could get away with dropping the RCD and RCD Expander, since the QCD + Expander deals with much of the same functionality. You get the rotating division thing with the RCD, but you could likely find a way to emulate that behavior some other way.
Hey! Quick question. I am having trouble matching my pitch of my A-111-2 VCO to other oscillators that I have. I am using a Beats Step Pro to sequence it, and it is not follow pitch very well! Does anyone have any advice for me getting the pitch to follow a typical 1V/oct? My Rings Modular follows the Beats Step Pro fine, so I know the problem lies with the A-111-2 VCO.
Looking again... Should I sacrifice maybe the Shifty & 2hp modules (Arp, Euclid + Tune) for another Intellijel quad VCA?
@Lugia Thanks for your response both now and in the past. You have such great insights and offer them to so many in this community... Cheers!!!
I've been pushing modules around for about a week and I think I have things somewhat firmed up on that second rack. I'd love to hear any final thoughts on what I pulled together... Anything missing? Any module have a better alternative? Am I redundant or off base anywhere? There are so many variables and multiple ways to do things with devices that it's sometimes hard to see the forest for the trees.
I looked at the Verbos Multi-delay and I do love 8 taps + the envelope trackers... But I just kept coming back to the Rainmaker with 16 taps and such a wealth of other features... I think I just have to eat up the HP and go for it...
With 10+ voices in these two cases I thought Planar2 made a lot of sense for interesting shifts.
I figured the stages could be used for envelopes for voices and/or step sequencing, not to mention the 1U steppy.
I only have a 2HP reverb module in the first case. I added 2x Digiverb 1Us in this case... I'm thinking they can add some interesting dimensions to voices...
I've really been feeling like I need to multi-track record lately... I only have the Doepfer A-138s mixer in the first case + a 2HP 4 channel mixer... I'm really not liking mixing down two or more voices into one w/ the 2HP and then feeding that into the Doepfer A-138s... And then I only have 3 more voices... It all gets a bit muddled / complicated feeling... And when I'm listening to recorded stereo tracks I keep wanting to be able to control volume on individual voices or throw on a plugin or two individually... I've ordered some 1/8" to 1/4" shielded mono patch cables. I'm planning on running voices directly into my audio interface so at least I can get 8 distinct tracks @ 96kHz / 24bit.
I really liked the Befaco hexmixer + hexpander but it's so much HP and so much $$$...
Anyway, thanks for any insights or thoughts!
D
Bought the Batumi from @C3REAL , everything was correct, reliable seller.
Peaks Parameters
Alternative LFO Function a.k.a. Expert Algorithm #2: Trigger Delay & Repeater
- Receives a buff'd mult of M32's Gate, but delays (via knob 3) and repeats (via knob 4) the gates received
- Also widens or narrows the width of incoming gates with knob 2 (gate duration)
NOTE: Gate Duration is also effected after Peaks by Maths CH. 4 by Slew Limiting and cycling
Octavian
Maths Parameters
Octavian
Rings Parameters
Modal Resonator Mode - Monophonic
- Fed a Gate from M32 into STRUM
- INV Out from Maths serves as 1v/oct, creates intense FM sounds given the right amplitude mix between the 4 attenuators in Maths, as well as the correct enveloping at CH. 1 (cycling) and CH. 4 (sometimes cycling)
Octavian
Plaits Parameters
Algorithm #4: Granular Format Oscillator
- modulations into Morph and Timbre create true vowel sounds given the correct depths
- Main OUT and AUX are given the same CV at VCA but are attenuated separately, balance is mixed throughout the recording
- Receives 1v/oct pitch information from M32 KB Out (just KB notes so LFO -> frequency has no effect or utility in this patch)
Octavian
Mother 32 Parameters
Sequence Length: Between 3 and 8 steps
Sequence Pitches: a bunch of C's and G's in different octaves
Buff Mult acts as an Audio multiple for Plaits
Gate Out is the driving Clock and Start/Stop for the whole patch
Octavian
This patch demonstrates approximately 0.06% of Shaggy's Power, in an audible format. Any greater than 0.065% of his power in an audible format is lethal for children and the elderly, so 0.06% keeps a safe distance. Shaggy, the reincarnation of every God rolled into a burrito, approves this patch.
Octavian
OK...now you're thinking! Yes, you can drive the M32 with a BSP, but then you lose those sequencing channels to it. However, I do notice there's something missing, and it's probably the needed fix: a keyboard controller/sequencer. And Arturia has exactly that: the Keystep.
Looking at my Keystep and one of my BSPs, there are IN and OUT ports for clocking on both. And it's an easy step to daisy-chain or mult a single clock between them and the M32, since they all like positive-going pulses. So...here's what I suggest:
1) Get a Keystep. They're cheap. You're going to connect this to the M32 via MIDI. By doing this, the M32 will then accept the MIDI clock as its clock, then allowing you to use the M32's TEMPO as a clock divider for that MIDI clock. That's one of the M32's 'hidden' functions. The Keystep will allow you to either play the M32 directly OR use the Keystep's clocked arpeggiator OR the Keystep's internal sequencer, and then the M32's sequencer can be freed up to do things such as sequencing the M32's VCF, or doing onboard transpositions, etc etc etc. Basically, this opens up a lot of new avenues for a whopping $119. Now, you'll use its SYNC IN to lock it up with...
2) The Beatstep Pro. This is your master clock. Connect its sync out to the Keystep AND, via a mult, ALSO to the Pam's. This locks up everything. Plus, it now frees up the BSP's two sequencer channels to use on the modular via the CV/gate/velocity ports, AND you also have the onboard trigger sequencer if you want to make things (including the Pam's) behave in different rhythmic patterns, OR to feed these to some logic and set the Pam's patterns against them to generate more elaborate gating patterns.
Now that...that's a real solution, and one which opens up possibilities!
Well, to start with, if you're trying to implement something of a dual functionality, this is probably going to be too small. A better suggestion for a first rack is to start off too big, then pare the resulting mess down to the scale you're shooting for. Secondly, you probably should go back and examine iconic synths of both types. For example, if you examine a Buchla Music Easel, then compare and contrast that with a Minimoog, you're going to notice the similarities and differences much better than trying to keep track of "school of thought A" versus "school of thought B". That's simply too abstract, especially at the points where those two directions overlap (such as sequencing).
Yes, it's a costly purchase. Which is why you need to put some hard work and forethought into this, rather than simply trying to dash off a final result in the first try (which never, EVER works!). It's also something you're apt to be living and working with for at least a decade, given both the cost and the capabilities of a well-thought-out modular. It might seem like this is an easy off-the-rack sort of purchase decision...but it's actually anything but that. You should even be considering whether or not a modular synthesizer is even necessary; generally, those who make the best use of them are musicians who've exhausted the majority of other synthesis paradigms and who need the open architecture in order to keep pace with what's in their imaginations. It isn't a "you gotta have one!!!"-sort of device; thinking that way about building a system and then purchasing the result will likely end with your system up on Reverb or eBay in a year's time or so.
So, instead of buying a pile of trouble...take the time to research, consider, and rethink, and then do all of that again and again. Lather, rinse, repeat. Eventually you'll arrive at something that you really know is what you should buy, instead of trying to get permission for blowing money from others.
Hello.. The Erica Synths Bassline is actually 14hp not 16hp. Can this be changed?? Small thing but messed up which blanking plate I needed !
This is my first Self Generative patch. "Krell" I could say.
Two asynchronous clocks are mixed with Triatt.
“Melody” comes from Lifeform's oscillator 2 (oscillator 2 - LPF - Magneto’s reverb)
Other chaotic timbres come from Lifeform's oscillator 1 (oscillator 1 - Morgasmatron - Magneto’s Delay)
Gear:
Expert Sleepers FH-2
Intellijel Quadra
Intellijel Triatt
Intellijel Morgasmatron
Strymon Magneto
Pittsburgh Modular Lifeforms SV-1
Intellijel Quad VCA
Thanks for the reply Lugia!
The case is handmade, I wasn't completely sure about getting this risk but it's half price in comparison to the arturia one and the comments were all good so I trusted him.
Definitely I will go slowly, after playing with those 3/4 modules for weeks things will clear up probably... good advice to "think big" and remove module after module. I will try!
Alright, Update. I got the Beatstep Pro and the Make Noise Mult Passive Multiple Eurorack Module. Pretty excited about seeing how these two expand my current setup.
